Slide-Out Mobile Office Printer Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carrying cases for printers and scanners are not suitable for outdoor work environments, as they lack protection against damage from uneven surfaces and harsh conditions, limiting on-site printing capabilities despite growing demand.

Innovation Solution

A portable, impact-resistant case with retractable handle and wheels, integrating a slide-out printer, scanner, and shredder, powered by a rechargeable battery, and equipped with external electrical and communication terminals for connectivity, allowing for a self-powered, fully-functional mobile office setup that can be easily transported and deployed in non-traditional workspaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional carrying cases are used for printers and scanners, then the devices can be transported, but they lack protection against damage from uneven surfaces and harsh conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidsuitability for outdoor work environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the carrying case with functional office equipment (printer, scanner, shredder) into a single integrated mobile unit. The case housing serves both as protection and as the structural framework for the equipment, eliminating the need for separate protective cases and enabling outdoor deployment with full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates movable components including a slide-out printer mechanism, retractable handle, and deployable legs. These dynamic elements allow the device to transition between compact transport mode and fully functional outdoor office mode, providing both protection during transport and adaptability for outdoor use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If traditional printing devices are used, then printing functionality is provided, but they are heavy and not portable

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidweight of printing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple office functions (printing, scanning, shredding) into a single mobile unit with shared structural components. The common housing, power system, and support legs eliminate the need for separate heavy devices, reducing overall weight while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile office unit performs multiple functions (printing, scanning, shredding) within a single portable device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby reducing total weight and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If specialized carrying bags are used for electronic devices, then devices are held securely, but the bags do not provide protection against damage from uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the carrying case structure with the functional equipment, creating an integrated unit where the housing serves dual purposes: secure containment and protection against uneven surfaces. The deployable legs and reinforced housing provide structural protection while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates dynamic protective features including deployable legs that provide stable support on uneven terrain and a retractable handle for easy transport. These movable protective elements adapt to different surfaces, providing reliable protection while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If office equipment is integrated into a portable case, then on-site printing capabilities are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site printing capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of mobile office system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the mobile office system into modular functional units (printing module, scanning module, shredding module) that can be independently configured and maintained. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by allowing each component to be optimized separately while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the printer, scanner, and shredder are housed within the portable case structure, with components arranged to minimize spatial conflicts and simplify connections. The slide-out printer mechanism and integrated power system demonstrate nested design principles that reduce complexity while enabling multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11778111B1Mobile device with slide-out office equipment

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 XEROX CORP

AI summary

An apparatus includes a portable case, and a slide-out printer is connected to the portable case. The slide-out printer is connected so as to slide in and out of the portable case. The slide-out printer includes a scanner, and the scanner includes a platen. The apparatus also includes a slide-out shredder connected to the portable case. The slide-out shredder is similarly connected to slide in and out of the portable case.